Golden Pavilion Temple

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (26K+ reviews) • 370K+ booked
Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion Temple, is a stunning zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is famous for its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf, giving it a shining, eye-catching appearance. It's even more striking when viewed from the mirror pond. When you visit, make sure to walk around the Japanese strolling garden. The garden has small islands and different paths that offer different views of the golden pavilion. If you take a tour, you'll get to learn and appreciate the different architectural styles of each floor. The first floor is designed in the shinden style, the second floor in the bukke style, and the third floor in the Chinese zen hall style. Don’t forget to look up and admire the beautiful golden phoenix on top of the pavilion. Your experience doesn't stop at sightseeing. You can also visit the Fudo Hall to learn about and pay respects to Fudo Myoo, a guardian deity. The temple's gardens and rich history make it a top attraction in Kyoto. Don’t miss the chance to see this iconic landmark in person!
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Kinugasa Goshonouchicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8378, Japan

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Why people love Golden Pavilion Temple

4.9 /5
26K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
3 days ago
Charles is really a great tour guide. Speaks very well and clear and always gives a great history discussion of the tour.
1+
Chen *****
3 days ago
The sound and light effects are very good, and dry ice will be added at appropriate times to create a mysterious and quiet atmosphere. You can see different Heian Shrine.
2+
Chan ********
3 days ago
A better-than-expected light show, worth the price of admission.
Kasib ****
3 days ago
It was Brilliant. Worth every penny. The gardens were amazing. I have never been to a similar experience. One of the highlights of my Kyoto trip.
Wu ****
3 days ago
I like the one-day tour very much. You don’t have to worry about transportation. The tour also includes a meal and there are many places to go. The tour guide gave you a lot of information about where to go. You can go to more places and buy food and souvenirs. Then Catch the next attraction and enjoy the whole trip
1+
Tania **
3 days ago
An amazing day, well worth it seeing a lot of the best highlights of Kyoto. Our tour guide was lovely, very personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
2+
EdmundMark ********
3 days ago
staff is really friendly and food was very delicious! I would recommend this place to hang out! it’s open late as well
2+
Klook用戶
3 days ago
During this trip, we were fortunate enough to meet our tour guide Charles, and his performance was really admirable! Charles is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese, which made our travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether communicating with foreign tourists or asking locals, Charles was always able to deal with it easily and made us feel that language is no longer a barrier. We were deeply moved by Charles' patience and attentiveness. He will take the initiative to care about the needs of each group member. Whether it is adjustments to the itinerary or questions about the local culture, he will patiently answer them and make us feel cared for like family. Whenever we asked a question or request, he always had a smile on his face and was always ready to help. This service attitude made the whole trip full of warmth. During the trip, Charles was more than just a tour guide, but more like a friend. He will share many interesting stories and local customs, allowing us to not just watch the tour but to truly immerse ourselves in the culture of this place. The introduction of each attraction was full of his enthusiasm, making us full of expectations for each place. In addition, Charles is also very thoughtful in arranging the itinerary, fully considering the age and needs of the group members, and adjusting the itinerary just right so that everyone can enjoy the fun of the trip. He was always looking out for our safety and making sure everyone was having a comfortable tour, which made us feel very reassured. Overall, this trip became more exciting because of Charles' company. We are very grateful for everything he did for us and made our trip full of wonderful memories. I wish Charles all the best in his future work and can continue to provide such high-quality services to more tourists! If we have the opportunity to travel again, we would definitely like to explore new places with Charles again. Thank you again, Charles!
2+

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FAQs about Golden Pavilion Temple

Why is the Golden Pavilion famous?

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What to know before visiting Golden Pavilion Temple

What to know before visiting Golden Pavilion Temple

Things to do in Kinkakuji Temple

Admire the Golden Pavilion

The main attraction of Kinkakuji Temple is the Golden Pavilion. While you're there, you can appreciate the different styles of each floor. Don't forget to take photos of the pavilion and its shiny reflection in the mirror pond.

Stroll Through the Temple's Gardens

Enjoy a calming walk through the temple's surrounding gardens. These gardens have winding paths, quiet ponds, and beautiful flowers that change with the seasons. The peaceful surroundings are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. Don't forget to visit Anmintaku Pond, known as the "lake of peace."

Visit the Fudo Hall

Discover Fudo Hall, a smaller shrine in the temple grounds dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a guardian deity. This hall is a quieter place where you can say prayers and light incense. It's a great spot to learn about Zen temple traditions and feel the spiritual side of Kinkakuji Temple.

Enjoy Matcha Tea

After exploring the Golden Pavilion Temple, visit one of the tea houses for a traditional cup of matcha tea. The tea houses often have views of the gardens, making your visit even more special.

Must-see Attractions near Kinkakuji Temple

Ryoanji Temple

Just a short walk from Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple is famous for its Zen rock garden. The garden has carefully placed rocks and pebbles, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Zen gardens and meditation.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the god of education and learning. Many students visit this lively shrine, which is surrounded by pretty plum tree gardens. It's a great place to experience both culture and natural beauty.

Nijo Castle

A little farther away but still nearby, Nijo Castle shows what life was like for Japan's shoguns. The castle has beautiful gardens and detailed interiors with "nightingale floors" that chirp when you walk on them. It's a fun place to explore after visiting Kinkakuji Temple.